"Maybe ask each agent directly how they calculate rate increases after local events—sometimes their transparency (or lack thereof) can tell you a lot about what to expect down the road..."
Haha, transparency from insurance agents...is that even a thing? But seriously, have you checked if either company offers accident forgiveness or loyalty discounts? I've been with State Farm for years, and while they're not perfect (who is?), they've been pretty decent about not hiking my rates too much after local storms. Might be worth asking about those perks before deciding.
Yeah, totally agree about transparency being rare... I've been shopping around recently (first-timer here) and noticed Farm Bureau seems pretty open about loyalty discounts, at least in my area. Accident forgiveness sounds great too, but from what I've seen, State Farm usually offers it after you've been with them a while. Might be worth double-checking how soon those perks kick in, especially if you're cautious like me and want to avoid surprises later.
Been with State Farm for years, and yeah, accident forgiveness took a bit to kick in, but it's been smooth sailing since. Curious—have you checked how Farm Bureau handles claims? Heard mixed things, so might be worth looking into...
I've been driving less than two years, so insurance stuff still makes me nervous. My parents had Farm Bureau when my older brother got into a fender bender last year, and honestly, it was kind of a headache. Took forever to get someone on the phone, and then the paperwork dragged on for weeks... Maybe it was just bad luck, but I'd stick with something more predictable like State Farm if smooth claims handling matters to you. Just my two cents.
I've worked with both companies quite a bit, and honestly, your experience with Farm Bureau isn't unusual, but it's not universal either. A client of mine had a similar headache with them—lots of back-and-forth calls, paperwork delays—but another had their claim handled smoothly within days. It can really depend on your local office and the adjuster you get.
State Farm does tend to be more consistent overall, especially if you're looking for predictability. They're usually pretty quick to respond, and their claims process is straightforward. But keep in mind, they're often pricier for younger drivers, especially if you've been driving less than two years.
If you're leaning toward State Farm for peace of mind, it might be worth paying a bit extra. But if budget's tight, don't completely rule out Farm Bureau—maybe check reviews for your local office specifically or ask around town. Sometimes the local agents make all the difference...
